District Judge Wendel Wurst to retire from 25th Judicial District

TOPEKA—District Judge Wendel Wurst will retire January 6, 2023, from the 25th Judicial District after serving 13 years as a judge.  

“Being a judge can be tough,” Wurst said. “Often, the law requires a judge to make difficult, unpopular, and even heartbreaking decisions. But the job also provides moments of pride and satisfaction when one knows his decisions have positively impacted people’s lives and made our community a better place in which to live.”  

Wurst was appointed district judge in 2009 and served as chief judge from 2012 to 2019. The 25th Judicial District is composed of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties.  

Wurst said one thing he appreciates about being a judge are his coworkers.  

“I have been blessed to have colleagues and coworkers who have made the job a real joy and something to look forward to every day,” Wurst said.  

Wurst is a native of Sterling and graduated from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. He operated a general law practice in Garden City for 29 years before becoming a judge. 

In retirement, Wurst and his wife, Rhonda, look forward to seeing more of their three children and seven grandchildren. 

District judges in the 25th Judicial District are appointed through a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement. After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.